The 86-year-old widower was discovered at her home stabbed and set on fire in an apparent effort to disguise her injuries and destroy evidence in an apparently unmotivated attack.

She was last been seen alive on January 11 last year when she went shopping with her family. She then spoke to a friend by telephone at 5pm on the Saturday. Her body was discovered at her bungalow in Magazine Lane at 10.45am the following day.

One year on, police are urging people to think back to that day in case they can remember anything that might help them with their inquiries.

Det Chief Insp Jon Hutchinson said: “This weekend will be exactly a year since Una Crown’s body was discovered in her bungalow in Magazine Lane.

“This is still a very active investigation and we have a dedicated team working on solving this horrific murder of an elderly woman in her own home.

“We are determined to get justice for Mrs Crown and her family and are following up a number of lines of enquiry in order to catch and convict the person responsible.

“However, we still believe the answer to this crime lies in the local community and we need their help.

“I would urge people to think back to this time a year ago, did a friend or loved one come home with blood on them or smelling of smoke? Were they acting strangely around that time? Did they suddenly come into money?

“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial to solving this terrible crime and giving some closure to Mrs Crown’s family who are desperate for answers.”

Last year police sent letters to every household in the area asking for information.

A £10,000 reward is being offered by independent charity Crimestoppers for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

Anyone with any information should call the Major Crime Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.